Boy Scouts earn merit badges at the Citizenship in the Nation Workshop

Since its inception, the Boy Scouts of America organization has provided its members with memorable experiences that have helped to mold their futures.

On Saturday, the organization will present its Citizenship in the Nation merit badge workshop at the Chesterfield County Museum.

Aimed at Boy Scouts from ages 11 to 14, the seminar will teach them about U.S. history and what it means to be an American citizen.

Bryan Truzzie is the certified merit badge counselor who will conduct Saturday’s clinic.

Truzzie has performed merit badge workshops since he received his certification in 2010. His history with the Boy Scouts of America began years ago when he was a Cub Scout.

Since 2006, Truzzie also has been the historic site specialist for the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department. And, because historical programming is his primary focus, Truzzie is the perfect choice to present information about America’s past.

“I think the workshop will give young boys an appreciation of our liberties and freedoms in this great country and teach them about the background that forged our nation,” Truzzie said. “And during the course of the workshop, the Scouts will get a better understanding of what citizenship really means.”

“They will also learn about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the federal government and its branches. At the same time, they will begin to understand the rights and liberties of an individual and the sacrifices that our forefathers made.”

After the boys finish the course, Truzzie will sign off on the merit badge cards that they will return to their respective troop leaders. Later, the troop leaders will award the badges to the Scouts.

The workshop is sponsored by the local Heart of Virginia Council, but Truzzie said that Boy Scouts from other regions of the state are welcome to attend. All participants must prepare themselves to ensure that they understand the curriculum.

“Well, there aren’t prerequisites per se, but there are a few things that they need to do on their own,” Truzzie said. “One of those is to determine who two senators are from their district and compose a letter that they would like to send to one of them.”

“They also need to watch the evening news or read a newspaper to help them get a better understanding of world events. Those things will give them the opportunity to learn to do research.”

When asked why he believes that the Boy Scouts of America organization has thrived for so long, Truzzie said he thinks it’s because the group helps boys develop characteristics that will aid them later in life.

“Well, I think that scouting provides young boys with an opportunity to grow, and it teaches them strong moral values that are just as important today as they were 100 years ago,” Truzzie said.

The Boy Scouts of America Citizenship in the Nation merit badge workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Chesterfield County Museum in Chesterfield.

Admission is $10, but the merit badge is not included in the price.

Advance registration is required, so parents should go to the Chesterfield Historical Society’s website to enroll their Scouts in the class or call 751-4946.